Chapter 247: Lining Up to Warn

Nina Norton was incredibly efficient. From drafting the guest list and sending out invitations to preparing and decorating the venue, she had everything ready in just one month.

As for the wedding attire, they had already enlisted Lynn Winslow’s favorite designer. The entire set of outfits, from the main gown to the reception dress, had been custom-tailored and fitted for her.

Lynn Winslow hardly had to spare any time for it, while Ian Sterling, on the other hand, spent days trailing after Nina Norton, helping with the preparations.

When Ian Sterling returned to Morelia, Lynn Winslow was still busy at work. He went straight upstairs, planning to give her a little surprise.

He quietly pushed the door open. Lynn Winslow was resting her forehead on her hand, a frown on her face as she dealt with her work, looking as if she’d hit a snag.

While she was distracted, Ian Sterling crouched down, tiptoed inside, and positioned himself behind Lynn Winslow’s office chair before suddenly shouting, “BOO!”

Startled, Lynn Winslow flinched and shot up from her chair, glaring at Ian Sterling.

“Ian Sterling! I’m going to kill you!”

Looking guilty, Ian Sterling didn’t even try to dodge. He let Lynn Winslow hit him, apologizing, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

Lynn Winslow smacked his chest a few times before finally pulling her hand back. She shot him a harsh glare and sat back down.

Ian Sterling dropped to one knee beside Lynn’s leg, looking pitiful. “I’m sorry, it was my fault. If you’re still not satisfied, just hit me a couple more times.”

“And hitting you will make me feel better?” Lynn Winslow asked coldly, looking down at him.

Ian Sterling froze for a second, then said, “Then what do you want? I’ll agree to anything, all right? Just don’t be angry.”

He then lowered his head, resting his face on Lynn’s lap. “I really know I was wrong,” he whispered.

“Hmm, let me think about it.” A hint of a smile flashed in Lynn Winslow’s eyes, vanishing in an instant.

The receptionist had messaged her when Ian Sterling got into the elevator, so she was already prepared. She had seen his every move as he tried to sneak in out of the corner of her eye.

‘Just teasing him, that’s all.’

“Get up, this looks bad.” Lynn Winslow reached out to pull at him. Ian hadn’t closed the door when he came in, worried she would notice him. ‘What if someone comes by? Even if they don’t dare to walk all the way in, seeing the young Ms. Winslow’s fiancé getting up from beside her lap… anyone would get the wrong idea!’

Ian didn’t want to get up, but he also wanted to hug the woman he hadn’t seen in so long. He stood, leaned over, and wrapped his arms around her, murmuring, “Baby, I’ve missed you so much. It’s been days.”

Lynn had missed him too, though not as dramatically as he missed her. But with him holding her so tenderly, she couldn’t bring herself to tease him anymore. She gently raised her arms to circle his waist and planted a kiss on his cheek.

Her gesture made his heart melt. Ian’s lips curved into a smile as he leaned in to kiss her.

Lynn blocked his lips with her hand. “Don’t,” she said softly. “I still have work to do.”

Ian Sterling pouted but let her go for now. He walked over to the sofa and sat down. “How much longer will you be busy?” he asked. “You need to go approve both wedding venues, see if you like them. If you don’t, there’s still time to make changes.”

“Tomorrow. I’ve already spoken with Joel; he’s taking over most of the work starting tomorrow.” Lynn glanced up at Ian, then her gaze returned to her desk. “After that, Joel will be managing things. Aside from major decisions, the rest won’t require my attention.”

Ian tried to contain his delight but couldn’t hold it back. He casually covered his mouth, but a soft chuckle still escaped.

Lynn gave an exasperated sigh, not bothering to comment.

By the time she finished her work, the sky had grown dark. Ian drove them back to Winslow Manor.

Elder Winslow knew they were coming back and had been waiting for them. He had also invited Zane Lancaster, and the three of them were sitting in the living room, chatting idly.

Seeing them return, Joel Winslow stood up and greeted them quietly. Elder Winslow had seen Ian Sterling so many times lately that he was very familiar with him, treating him like a close younger relative and urging them to sit down quickly.

“The wedding here in Morelia is just half a month away. Are you two ready?”

“We’re ready. My parents will be arriving a week early,” Ian Sterling answered first. He shot a glance at Zane Lancaster, and their eyes met.

Zane Lancaster raised an eyebrow, a smug curve playing on his lips. Ian Sterling understood perfectly. He gave a small snort and looked away.

‘What was that about?’ Lynn didn’t understand the silent exchange passing between the two men.

After dinner, Ian made an excuse to go to the back garden with Zane Lancaster. Seeing Zane unapologetically light a cigarette, Ian pinched his nose in disgust and glared at him.

“Why are you looking at your benefactor with such disgust?” Zane Lancaster chuckled, flicking his ash away as he leaned lazily against a gazebo pillar.

“When did you remember?” Ian asked coolly.

“Hmm…” Zane thought for a moment. “Around the same time as you, I’d guess.”

“Then why did you help me?” Ian asked seriously. “Knowing Lynn had forgotten everything, you could have easily swooped in.”

Zane Lancaster gave a resigned laugh. “Ian Sterling, if I hadn’t lived through that time with you and Lynn, I definitely would have tried to take my chance. But I remember—I remember it very clearly. I know that even after she broke up with you, she still liked you. So I couldn’t bring myself to do something so underhanded.”

He casually stubbed out his cigarette, straightened up, and walked over to Ian. As the two men, who were of similar height, looked each other in the eye, Ian could clearly see the seriousness in Zane’s gaze.

“I’m truly happy for you both. So, Ian Sterling, you have to treat Lynn well. Otherwise, even if I don’t settle the score with you,”—he paused, tilting his chin to indicate Ian should look behind him—”Joel Winslow won’t let you off the hook.”

Ian turned his head and saw Joel Winslow walking toward them.

Joel stood before him, his expression cold. Ian couldn’t help but chuckle. “What is this, are you two lining up to warn me?”

“Something like that,” Zane admitted freely.

Joel’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Ian Sterling,” he said calmly, “take good care of my sister.”

Ian crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. “Well, that’s a given, isn’t it? If I didn’t take good care of my own wife, what kind of monster would that make me?”

“I’m not joking,” Joel said, taking another step forward. Perhaps he wasn’t as gentle as he appeared on the outside; inside, he was still cold and detached. At that moment, his eyes were like ice.

“Ian Sterling, if you’re not good to her, I won’t let you get away with it.”

Ian’s lazy slouch slowly disappeared as he straightened his posture. His eyes narrowed slightly as he said with great solemnity, “You can rest assured. I will take the best care of her. I won’t let her get hurt. Not even in the slightest.”

Joel was silent for a moment before taking a step back. He glanced at Zane Lancaster, then turned and walked away.

Ian watched his retreating figure and snorted. “All that just to get a promise out of me?”

“Yes,” Zane Lancaster nodded, his voice grave. “Lynn doesn’t know what we’re all thinking, but you’re perfectly clear on it. For both of your sakes, we’re willing to keep it a secret, but on one condition: you have to be good to her.”